What does a word wall in a classroom primarily serve as for ELLs?

A word wall primarily serves as a visual vocabulary resource, which is especially beneficial for English Language Learners (ELLs). It displays key vocabulary words relevant to the subject or themes being studied, providing students with immediate access to essential language. This visual representation helps ELLs in multiple ways: it reinforces the meaning of words through their visual context, supports spelling and pronunciation, and aids in retention and recall during reading or writing tasks.

Additionally, having a word wall encourages interaction with vocabulary as it can be used throughout lessons to prompt discussions, activities, and language practice. The focus on visual elements is crucial because many ELLs may need both verbal and visual aids to fully grasp new language concepts. Thus, a word wall becomes a central component in creating an engaging and supportive learning environment that caters to the specific needs of ELLs.